OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. — Attacker Karie Znaniecki, who starred during the inaugural season of NYIT women's lacrosse, will return to the squad in 2018 after being granted a medical waiver.

Znackie produced 102 points last season (49 goals, 53 assists) en route to being named a second-team All-American by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association as well as first-team All-East Coast Conference. Her point total ranked fifth in Division II.

Znaniecki was granted the extra season because she had been limited to three games as a freshman at Dowling College due to a knee injury.

"I'm extremely thankful for everyone who has helped me during this process, and I'm beyond excited to have the honor to be a part of the team again with my coaches and teammates," Znaniecki said. "I am looking forward to another incredible season."

The inaugural season of women's lacrosse at NYIT could not have been scripted much better. Buoyed by 14 former members of the defunct Dowling College program, the Bears came within one goal of earning the ECC regular-season title, peaked at No. 11 in the IWLCA national coaches poll, produced an 11-game winning streak and earned an invitation to the NCAA Tournament. The Bears completed the season with a 15-4 overall record.

The student-athletes' story of transferring en masse to NYIT also generated significant positive media coverage for the university, with profiles in The New York Times and Newsday, as well as on WABC, WCBS and News 12 Long Island.